What does 2, 3, and 4 bow mean?

The bows of the bimini top are the parts of the frame that connect from side to side over the width of the boat. Bimini tops are equipped with either 2, 3, or 4 main bows.

The smallest style offered—mostly used for shorter Jon style fishing boats, V-hull fishing boats, and inflatables—is the 2 bow bimini top.

The most commonly used bimini top is the 3 bow. This bimini top style is recommended for V-hull runabouts, ski boats, performance boats, and most center consoles.

The largest bimini top carried by SavvyBoater is the 4 bow, which is reserved for larger boats, such as pontoons or deck boats.

How do I mount my bimini top?

For standard bimini tops drilling is required, as the bimini is mounted onto the top or on the outside of the boat. For pontoon bimini tops, which are mounted onto your pontoon’s side rails, drilling is also required. For tower bimini tops no drilling is required. Instead, the bimini clamps directly onto the boat tower itself.

How fast can I go when my bimini top is deployed?

You can safely deploy and use your Carver bimini tops while operating at speeds of up to 35 MPH, and up to 45 MPH for Westland. If you would like to go faster with your top up, we recommend thru-bolting.

How do I thru-bolt my bimini top so that I can go faster than 35 MPH with it up and in use?

If you have nylon fittings you’ll first need to replace them with stainless steel fittings.

The next step is to thru-bolt the connection points of the bimini to the boat—the front and rear eye straps, as well as the deck hinge. In order to thru-bolt, you’ll need a longer bolt that travels completely through the fiberglass and reaches to the underside. For added stability and security, we recommend adding an extra washer and nut.

Lastly, check the top for stability, ensuring the front of the top is angled downward. If it isn’t, pull the front hold-down straps tight in order to change the angle. As always, check all straps and fittings for tightness before using your bimini top at speeds higher than 35 MPH.

*Note: Thru-bolting will allow you to operate your boat at speeds of up to 45 MPH with the top still up. Keep in mind wind speeds and adjust your speed accordingly. Whenever trailering your boat, your bimini top should be laid down flat.

Width

First choose where you want to mount your bimini top. The most common mounting point is at the widest part of your boat. If this won't work, then move the bimini mounting points forward or back to accommodate.

Once you decide on a good mounting point, measure a straight line between these points on either side of your boat and keep the following in mind:

Length

The mounting point is the center of the bimini top, so the top will extend half its length in front and half its length behind the mounting point.

Height

Measure straight up from the mounting point. Keep in mind that the total standing height is the height of the bimini top plus the height from the floor to the mounting point.

A tower bimini gets measured similar to the way a standard bimini does, only with a few key differences.

Video Guide: How to Measure Your Boat for a Bimini Top

Brace/Rear Strut Kit

Brace Kits hold your bimini top up and out of the way when folded. Braces also give your bimini a more stable position when open. Brace kits come with two braces and mounting hardware that works seamlessly with your bimini top.

Slide Tracks

Slide tracks mount to the gunwale of your boat and allow your bimini top to slide into a more convenient, horizontal storage position. Bimini top slide track kits come with two tracks and all the necessary mounting hardware.